TWICKENHAM, Saturday - England co-captain Owen Farrell almost went from hero to villain as an injury-hit side came from behind to beat South Africa 12-11 in their opening November international at Twickenham on Saturday.
Farrell’s penalty seven minutes from time, the third of four scored by an England team who didn’t manage a try, nudged the hosts into a one-point lead.
There was drama right at the end when, with 80 minutes played, Australian referee Angus Gardner consulted the television match official to see if fly-half Farrell had committed a no-arm tackle on Springbok replacement Andre Esterhuizen.
But the officials decided Farrell had made enough of a legal challenge not to award a penalty that could have seen South Africa snatch victory.
“It’s hard to keep your arms round when someone’s running that hard but thankfully there was a bit of common sense,” Farrell, sharing the leadership with hooker Dylan Hartley, told Sky Sports.
England coach Eddie Jones, having seen his new-look side launch their countdown to next year’s World Cup in Japan by clinging on for a win, praised the hosts’ resilience.
“We had players out on their feet,” he said. “A real show of resistance, a lot of toughness in our play.”
Disappointed Springbok captain Siya Kolisi added: “We made it tough for ourselves. We had so many chances that we could have taken.
“We know we are our own enemies,” admitted the flanker.
South Africa dominated territory and possession in an opening 40 minutes where England lock Maro Itoje was sent to the sin-bin.
- AFP
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